Tourist arrivals, hotel rates at record highs in Singapore

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SINGAPORE, Dec 26 (AFP): Singapore received a record number of visitors last month but hotel rates were also at fresh highs, the city-state's tourism authorities said today.
The Singapore Tourism Board said 837,000 visitors arrived in November, the largest number ever for that month.
Average room rates for hotels also set a new milestone of 226 dollars (156 US) a night, the highest ever in any month and up almost 30 per cent over last year, the board said.
The city-state's hotels earned record room revenues of 175.4 million Singapore dollars, an increase of almost 24 per cent from last year, it said.
Visitor arrivals were 4.6 per cent higher than a year earlier, fuelled by strong arrivals from China, India and Australia, the board said.
"In November 2007, Singapore welcomed 837,000 visitors... this sets a new record for the month of November," it said.
Singapore also hosted the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit and its related regional meetings which likely boosted November's figures, as official delegations occupied several city hotels.
Lacking natural attractions, Singapore has embarked on a major campaign to spruce up its tourist appeal.
It has plans for new attractions including two casino resorts, expected to open by 2010, and is trying to become an arts and entertainment centre. It is to host its first Formula One Grand Prix late next year.